The LMU School of Film and Television sponsored “Money Talks & Art Matters,” a series of conversations about the convergence of film, art, and commerce at the LA Film Festival last weekend.
“The business of making entertainment is highly complex and much more competitive during these stressful economic times,” said Stephen Ujlaki, dean of the LMU School of Film and Television. “I’m thrilled to be presenting this vital discourse to help artists better navigate the current marketplace.”
Graham Taylor, head of William Morris Endeavor Global, delivered the opening keynote address June 18. In the past, this speech has been recognized as a “state of the union” commentary stirring interesting debate about current trends.
Independent filmmaker Allison Anders shared her experience crowd-funding her latest film via the Kickstarter website, while Gina Kwon, producer of “The Future,” spoke about the intricate and inventive international financing models she used for her arthouse films. Filmmaker Javier Fuentes-León discussed his transnational financing collaborations and Heather Courtney, producer of “Where Soldiers Come From,” broke down her process of raising funds through grants, fellowships, and licensing agreements.
Ricky Strauss, president of Participant Media, was joined by acclaimed filmmakers Patrick Creadon and Lee Hirsch to discuss the challenges and rewards of making movies for social change; and seasoned filmmakers Chris Weitz (“New Moon,” “A Better Life”) Vince Landay (“Where the Wild Things Are”), Richard Gladstein (“The Cider House Rules”), Alison Dickey (“Terri”), and Lynn Shelton (“Humpday”) shared their stories of working inside and outside the system to make movies that matter to them.
Independent film veterans Bob and Jeanne Berney engaged in a free-wheeling conversation with film critic David D’Arcy; studio executives, theater owners, and technology experts spoke with The Hollywood Reporter’s Pamela McClintock about shrinking release windows and the impact on the theatrical experience; while marketing and distribution experts took a gamble on films playing the “Wheel of Fortune” with Landmark Theatres’ Ted Mundorff.